Rhodes N. W. Coast

Rhodes Northwest coast
Profitis Ilias is the most thickly forested peak on Rhodes, and the island’s third highest (798 meters/2617 ft.). There’s a good 14 km hike from Psinthos to Eleoussa, in dense forest; Platania and Apollona villages are on the mountain’s southeast slopes, the latter with domed outdoor ovens still in use. Salakos village on the north side of the mountain is a starting point for hikes, with a nice town square and Italian fountain; there’s an annual festival at the monastery of Profitis llias, and the area is good walking country.

Theologos  is a resort with hotels; Paradhisi village is near the airport, as is Kremasti, the latter with a military barracks, but also the site of Rhodes’ eight-day summer festival (15-23 August).

Our Lady of Filermos is an exceptionally lovely monastery with domed chapels, cypresses, bougainvillea; Ancient Ialyssos was one of the three seats of power in ancient Rhodes. The site is open Tues-Sun 8am to 7pm, 3 euros;the Ai Yeorghis Hostos is a subterraneanchapel with frescoes; Ixia is the site of very large hotels and tourist complexes, with a good beach and fine blue water;Trianda(also called Ialyssos beach) has wind-surfing centers on a pebble beach, and some tavernas.